Who else, aside from Wels, takes a dip in the swimming lake?
In many lakes across Germany, particularly those in Brandenburg, visibility is not the best, making for a picturesque yet slightly murky swimming experience. However, this murkiness doesn't mean you should be wary of the creatures that call these waters home.
Aquatic plants play a vital role in these ecosystems, providing essential habitats for fish and contributing to the overall health of the lake. It's best to enter the water at sandy beaches to avoid disturbing these important plant life.
As you wade into the water, you might notice fish like roach and minnows swimming visibly around humans. Contrary to popular belief, these fish are more curious than aggressive.
One species that has caused some concern is the catfish. Reports of attacks on swimmers are rare, especially in Germany, and usually occur within two weeks of high summer when the male catfish is building and guarding a nest. It's important to note that a catfish attack results in no significant injuries, as these fish do not have teeth like sharks, only tiny bristles.
The Brombachsee in Middle Franconia (Bavaria) experienced two such incidents in June and July, where the shoreline had dried up, leaving bathing islands as potential nesting sites for catfish.
Catfish nests are typically located in protected, dark areas where people usually don't swim. Professor Robert Arlinghaus, a Professor of Fisheries at Humboldt University of Berlin, discussed fish in bathing lakes and their likelihood to attack. He emphasised that fish generally have an avoidance behavior and keep a distance from swimmers.
However, it's advisable to keep a distance from large clusters of aquatic plants to avoid dislodging them and clouding the water. The uprooting of plants and stirring up of sediment can cloud the water and release nutrients, potentially harming the fish.
The pike, another large freshwater fish, does not attack underwater and ignores bathers and divers. An attack by a pike on a human toe at a dock is extremely unlikely.
While some freshwater fish can be aggressive, such as the Black Wolf Fish or Bucktooth Tetras, these are typically found in home aquariums or specialized environments, not common bathing lakes.
Common fish species found in bathing lakes often include non-aggressive, shy species such as perch, which tend to stay in shallow water near swimmers. Other freshwater fish can vary by region but normally consist of community-friendly species rather than aggressive or predatory fish.
In summary, fears of attacks by catfish or pike are unfounded, as the likelihood of such an event is extremely low. When swimming in a lake, various species such as roach, pike, bream, and catfish may be present, but they pose little threat to human swimmers.
Other risks in natural bathing lakes involve parasites from waterfowl or algae toxins rather than fish attacks. For example, swimmer's itch caused by parasites from waterfowl is a known issue in lakes, causing skin irritation but not involving fish attacks.
The largest freshwater fish in Germany is the catfish, typically 1.5 to 2 meters long. So, next time you take a dip in a German lake, remember that the fish you're sharing the water with are more curious than dangerous. Enjoy your swim!
- Upon finding themselves in a German lake, particularly in sandy areas, swimmers may encounter other fish species like roach, minnows, and perch, which are generally non-aggressive.
- In the realm of education and self-development, learning about the diverse aquatic life in lakes, including various fish species, can provide insights into the significance of these creatures in environmental-science and their roles in maintaining the health of the lake.
- Concerns about parasites from waterfowl or algae toxins are more prevalent in natural bathing lakes instead of attacks from fish like catfish or pike, making it essential to remain mindful of such risks while enjoying a swim.
